April 20, 2007: Subtle Changes

[Werner Weiss]

How have Main Street Station, City Hall, and the Golden Horseshoe changed after 50 years?

Link to Subtle Changes.

What are your observations?

Please discuss it here.

[MasterGracey]

Excellent article. The Golden Horseshoe looks so different, and I agree that it looks arguably much better now than it did in the park's early days. It looks sort of unfinished in that 1956 photo.

Also, its too bad guests don't get dressed up much anymore for park visits. Not to say I wear collared shirts every time I visit, but I have worn long-sleeve dress shirts (granted, they're worn with jeans instead of slacks), even during hot summer days. But personally, I'm really tired of seeing muscle shirts and tank tops, especially on people who, to be blunt, simply shouldn't be showing off their bodies.

Its even worse that Disney is seeming to encourage this type of in-park dress, selling men's tank tops, and smaller and smaller women's tops.

Yeesh.


Anyway, keep up the amazing work. Yesterland just keeps gettin' better!

[Athlonacon]

I think I saw a previously green door painted brown on the Main Street train station picture. How dare they change Disneyland!

But seriously, this is a great article and it is quite amazing that they are able to radically change Disneyland and keep it fresh, while at the same time keeping it almost identical. When you think about it, even much of Tomorrowland '67 is still mostly intact. The pre-existing structures are pretty much identical and the only thing that's different is what fills them today.

I wonder if Walt ever knew that the park itself would bring about nostalgia, instead of just inspiring it through facades. I mean 50+ years is long enough for most people living today to have some childhood memory of the park. I would say not even Walt himself could've predicted something like that could last over 50 years.

It's definitely a testament to Walt and his extraordinary team of visionaries who helped him realize his dream that entire sections of the park could remain unchanged for over 50 years and still have the same impact they had the day it opened...probably moreso of an impact since 50+ years worth of history hits you the minute you see it now.

[mini_imagineer]

Great article.

I agree with Master Gracey, better a dress or collar shirt then what people are wearing now. People just had so much more class back then!

[Cousin Orville]

The photos don't show how the Train Station and City Hall shingles are actually painted now and in different shades, they were raw in the early days. The brick is also picked out in different colors. Or the fact that the color schemes are very different. There is gold on wood, etc. More saturated colors. Looks nice too.

The other thing is that on Main Street overall someone has added all sorts of ridiculous facade cornices to the tops of all the buildings to hide those pop up parade lights, including putting flat panels behind the lace cresting on the Train Station (also on Emporium). Other than color, this is the biggest change on Main Street. This ruins the silhouette of each building.

Thanks Werner, another great article!

[sir clinksalot]

LOVE the new article. I love seeing those things that have remained constant at Disneyland!!!

[disneyland255]

What a wonderful article! I can't believe how much the trees have grown in 50 years! Absolutely amazing! I would really like to see another article, or 2 or 3 or 4, on the rest of the park. I know Fantasyland has changed quite a bit and Critter Country has really changed too. What a trip back in time! Wonderful Article!

[danyoung]

Originally Posted by MasterGracey

Its even worse that Disney is seeming to encourage this type of in-park dress, selling ... smaller and smaller women's tops.

And your problem with this is . . . ?

[Koutesu]

I like how some of the Main St buildings have patriotic banners. City Hall is surrounded by trees and makes for a nice photo spot.

[ragrobyn]

I love the comparison Photos! I remember Slu Foot Sue (sp?) I loved that show but I have a soft spot for the Billy's.
Thanks Werner!

[MasterGracey]

Originally Posted by danyoung

And your problem with this is . . . ?

Well, to be honest, most American women probably shouldn't be wearing smaller-and-smaller shirts!

[Koutesu]

Originally Posted by MasterGracey

Well, to be honest, most American women probably shouldn't be wearing smaller-and-smaller shirts!

You mean you don't like looking at naval rings and tramp stamps? (aka lower back tatoos)

[DisneyPrincess4590]

Great article! The core of Disneyland still remains true to Walt's original vision after all these years.

[danyoung]

Originally Posted by MasterGracey

Well, to be honest, most American women probably shouldn't be wearing smaller-and-smaller shirts!

Well, OK, I'll give you that one!

[AstroBlaster]

lol great article, great job as always. Keep up the comparisons these are great.